Abdominal Aortic Calcifications in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Center Study in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic calcification in patients diagnosed with chronic
kidney disease stage III to V.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Nephrology, Fatima Memorial
Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from December 2022 to December 2023.
Methods: A total of 295 patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stages III to V were included. The lateral view of the lumbar radiograph was carried out in the standing position. All the X-rays were confidentially
submitted to the Central Radiology Department where a consultant Radiologist interpreted the X-ray in the
light of the Abdominal Aortic Calcification Score. Significant Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC) was
designated as per the Operation ACC score interpreted and reported by the consultant Radiologist. Chronic
kidney disease (CKD) and Aortic Calcification were designated.
Results: Abdominal aortic calcification was found in 89 (30.17%) patients. Male gender was significantly
associated with the presence of abdominal aortic calcification (χ2 = 50.019, df = 1, P-value 0.001).
Conclusion: We concluded that there is a moderately high frequency (30%) of abdominal aortic calcification in
patients with chronic kidney disease.